What does Petula mean and where does it come from?
The name Petula is derived from the Latin word 'petula' meaning 'little stone.' It became popular in the 20th century, partly due to the fame of Petula Clark, an English singer and actress known for her hit songs in the 1960s. The name is relatively uncommon but has a charming and unique quality.
Cultural significance
Petula has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of little stone.
Peak popularity
Reached #1936 in 1968 — currently #1460 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Petula?
Petula works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Petula Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Petula Rose
Floral · soft ending
Petula Mae
Sweet · timeless
Petula Claire
French influence · crisp
Petula Jane
Literary · strong
Petula Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Petula right now?
Holding steady — currently #1460 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1460 | 740 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1465 | 720 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1470 | 690 | ▲ up 1833 · +3350% births |
| 1970 | #3303 | 20 | ▼ down 365 · +5% births |
| 1965 | #2938 | 19 | — |
The story of Petula
Petula is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1965. With 179 total births recorded, Petula remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2938 in 1965 to #1460 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Petula in 1968:
💎Petula has only 179 total recorded births since 1965 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Petula?
What names sound and feel like Petula?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Petula also consider these
Common questions about the name Petula
What does the name Petula mean?
Petula means "little stone" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Petula?
Petula is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Petula?
Petula originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Petula?
Petula is a three-syllable name pronounced P EH1 T Y UW1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Petula?
Petula pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.